This Little Gem

I was digging through my files yesterday and found this compilation of random things about me (written in 2008). I think this was a popular thing to do on Facebook at the time, but I was too embarrassed to post it. Some of these things have changed a little, but it was funny to read...

1.    I love grilled cheese sandwiches; they are my favorite food ever!!  If you didn't know that, then you probably don’t know me.

2.    The gospel is the most important thing to me; everything else in this life is an appendage to it.  It has sustained me throughout my whole life and always will as long as I keep trying to align my will with His.

3.    I absolutely love animals.  Dogs, cats, bunnies ☺ I would have been a vet if all that was required was playing with animals all day.

4.    I love the years 1837-1901 (the Victorian Era) in England.  I sometimes (a lot of the time) think I should have been born then. 

5.    Because of this love, I am applying to graduate school in British literature for the fall. *check and done.

6.    I really don’t like it when people move my things without me knowing; I have to know where everything is and what condition it is in.

7.    I worked at Special Collections and processed old collections such as: diaries, letters, ephemera, etc. (I love old things).

8.    I love London.  Love it.

9.    I don’t announce my favorite music usually because it is so eclectic. A soundtrack to my life would consist of the Little Women soundtrack, Rudy, and Secret Garden (the group not the movie).

10. I went to three high schools in three states, in three years: CA, WA, UT. 

11. I love education. So much. It bothers me when people don’t appreciate it because it is one of the most valuable things we can gain here on this earth.  I love it when people are passionate about what they do—no matter what it is.

12. I am a horrible test taker. 

13. My dream is to be Fantine or Eponine in Les Miserables one day or Belle in Beauty of the Beast.  Because I moved so many times, I was never able to participate in a musical.

14. I love to read--that is why I am an English major. Writing can be fun, but it is not my favorite; I like talking about books more than writing about them.

15. My top three books are: Les Miserables, An Old Fashioned Girl, and Jane Eyre (and a hundred more).

16. I love things that smell good. I am a firm supporter in scented soap, air fresheners, lotion, perfume etc.

17. In the color code, I am mainly a blue with a little red. To those of you that have experienced my red side, you know I have it. (A description of blue for those who haven't taken the test: motivated by intimacy, love to plan, need details, need to be understood and appreciated, need to connect personally with others, quality-based, loyal, give freely, dependable, have strong code of ethics, honest, judgmental, thoughtful, worry-prone, „analytical, expect honesty from others).Yep, that's me pretty much, sadly--except, when my red fires up every once in a while. 

18. My favorite color is a vivid green (like the hills of Ireland type).

19. Criminal Record: I have received a J-walking ticket and have accidentally stolen gas, but I have never received a ticket.

20. I used to Irish dance.  I received third place at a feis once. 

21. I have been called “the bush” in reference to my crazy hair.

22. One of my most favorite things I own is a book that I bought in London. It is an antique Tennyson book from the 1890s.

23. I love my family and find myself loving them more and more everyday. I admire my mom and dad so much and wish to be like them one day.

24. If my personality was off of characters in a movie, I would be a combination of Meg from Little Women and Anne from Anne of Green Gables. 

25. I love baking, singing, playing with my friends and eating ice-cream.

The Eternal Number

Someone turned 29 on Saturday, and that someone happens to be my wonderful husband! I have heard it is the eternal, perpetuating number because we all know what happens after 29...

Ben knows what my needs are, even before I know what I need. He has the biggest, most unselfish heart in the world, and I am so grateful he was born! He even bequeathed me with these flowers last week when I was done performing an opera duet with my dear friend Becca!

Because his birthday was on a Saturday (how often does that happen!?), we had the whole weekend to celebrate. While he was at work on Friday, I decorated with BYU decor for Ben's birthday breakfast bash on Saturday! Ben and I both have a huge love for our Alma Mater--so it was fun to surprise him with BYU propaganda :)

I picked Ben up from work, and we met up with Mike, Mary, and my parents for a Brazilian feast (Ben's favorite). We then went through City Creek where Ben was able to get some new clothes for the first time since being married. I loved being able to help him pick them out!

Saturday morning, it happened--Ben turned 29, and we had a breakfast feast with family and friends complete with a breakfast burrito bar, crepe bar, and smoothies. We have some amazing family and friends who were so sweet to join us. After the birthday bash, we went with Ben's parents to see Parental Guidance, which was sweet enough at the end to make me cry! Ben and I were going to go out to eat after that, but he felt like Little Caesar's Deep Dish instead. So we went home, had pizza, watched movies, and ate Ben's favorite--Chocolate Cream Puff Dessert (Ben doesn't like cake).  Ben needs to have birthdays more often because they are loads of fun!

Pictures of Food and Such

This post contains too many images of food, suggesting the author's minor obsession with it. Yes, she has become one of those annoying "take pictures of their food" type people. 

I haven't blogged in forever, which I blame on our new house project (which I would rather not dwell on at the moment since it's stressing me out, but I am sure once it's over, I will love to talk about it).

As a recap of the last month--

We went with Ben's parents to the new doughnut shop in Ogden. I was so excited for it because I happen to love doughnuts. I had no idea that this was not an ordinary doughnut shop; everything looked so fancy-dancy. My doughnut looked too good to eat! They were delicious; however, the frosting was a little on the overkill for me. 

My sweet Dad surprised all us kids by special ordering us a cake from the Cake Boss (the show) in New Jersey. It was so delightful to be eating something from New Jersey! My dad's surprises are the best. 

I planted daffodils this year and did not know that you were supposed to group them together, so they look a little lonely all spread out. Daffodils make me so happy! I am learning that I did not inherit my grandma's green thumb. I wish I enjoyed gardening more, so far I just can't stand kneeling down in the dirt. I have found one true love of gardening though, raking. I don't know what it is but raking gives me a great sense of joy, so if you ever need someone to rake....I am your girl (you don't even have to get dirty or bend down!)

It's a big deal when Ben and I get anything out to eat, just the two of us; it rarely happens. I know this is sinful, but ever since I saw the deep dish Little Caesar pizza, I knew I had to try it just once, even if it was three extra dollars. It was delectable--crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. It's definitely richer than your average pizza so Ben and I decided we liked it for "special occasions." So silly but true!

General Conference came and went; it was just wonderful as always. Just what I needed. Ben and I spent Saturday morning at our home and I made my first artisan bread! It was super easy and tasty, plus I thought it looked pretty, which rarely happens for me. We got to spend all Sunday with Ben's family listening to conference and having fun together. 

I got to babysit these two adorable cuties a couple of times this month; I am so grateful my friends trust me with their little ones. It's a big honor for me to spend time in their presence!

Last weekend Ben and I spent time with my family and for one night we were all there except Mary, who we missed dreadfully! My Dad had us all try the XBOX Connect workout thingy. It was hilarious to watch everyone. 

Leslie and Dad boxing each other! Leslie is tough; I wish I was as strong as her!

Seth has amazing athletic skills (on the screen and in real life). 

It was a fun night, which ended with going to bed and waking up at 3:30 AM to help Kim and Steve drive to CA (they had two cars and that way Kim didn't have to go alone). We got to CA Saturday afternoon, and I left back to Utah at 3:30 Sunday morning. I spent about twelve hours in California--wahoo!

I have been loving this bow that I bought; Ben isn't sure how he feels about it, but some old man in the grocery store liked it, so I figure, I'll keep it. I don't want anyone ever questioning my femininity, not like that would ever happen because let's face it, I am all girl through-and-through.